Eater SF has come forward with a rumor that there are plans in the works for a small bowling alley in the Mission. They did not unveil where the planned bowling alley would be so who knows if this is even remotely true. That said, if a bowling alley does come to the Mission, it would be earth-shatteringly awesome:
Keep in mind that this is some good ol’ fashioned unconfirmed rumormongering at its very finest, but it would appear that a new bowling alley could be en route for the Mission. It would be on the small side (only six lanes or so) and a group is currently trying to get all the paperwork together. The biggest obstacle to be overcome is the ABC and the maze that is liquor licensing, which is tricky for places like bowling alleys. Add in the current ABC crackdown surrounding clubs and the requirements for food sales, and things get even more dicey.
Though it’s definitely still only in the planning stage—albeit far enough along that the ABC is a hurdle—a potential bowling alley could be something to keep an eye on. Plus, it goes without saying that with a bowling alley in the Mission would be a gold mine. That is, if it gets through the red tape. (link)
More importantly, Burrito Justice has discovered that there was a bowling alley way back in 1915 next to some places that played “moving pictures.”
This would be a perfect use for one of the many empty theater spaces. Hopefully that’s what’s in store. Good luck to the entrep’s.
“Tower Lanes” was the first thing that came to my mind.
I dont know if he will land in the mission, but Una Pizza was known as one of greatest pizza places in the world, and the best of NYC. Anthony just closed it down and is moving to SF. This is, so very very huge. SF gets a big win with Anthony coming here….
http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/20/una-pizza-napoletana-has-closed-will-reopen-as-motorino/
There used to be a bowling alley on Mission St. roughly across from the Safeway. I used to bowl there as a kid. Yea, good luck getting one built in todays anti-everything climate.
Republican Tallboy swiller Frank Chu’s 12 Galaxies would be a good spot and the remains of an ancient basement bowling alley were uncovered a few years back under the 826 Valencia block…real talk.
getting a liquor license would seem to be the biggest problem. but if that is already taken care of, then as long you never run out of PBR / Hi Life, the owners can just sit back and count their money all day.
please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please
Totally agree. With food. And booze. Or beer at least. And live music.
I’m out of the loop here… Bowling alleys have closed in droves in SF. Why would they suddenly be popular again?
Bowling is hip now. Blame the Coen brothers
glenparker – this is huge; the bearded emo hipsters need something to do when it’s too cold outside to walk their fixies over to bi-rite.
Dads with kids (both dirty words I know) would go in any weather. Happy to share with beard dudes.
only six lanes? why even bother?
This would be the most amazing thing ever. seriously, i would do anything to have a bowling alley in the Mission.
Glenparker — was it this one?
http://webbie1.sfpl.org/multimedia/sfphotos/AAF-0767.jpg
This is where Big Lots is now.